WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Locally-transmitted Zika virus infection has not been reported in the continental United States, but cases of Zika have been reported in returning travelers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a total of 388 laboratory-confirmed cases in the United States as of April 20, 2016. Of the 388 travel-associated infections, 33 were in pregnant women, eight were sexually transmitted and one person was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
Local mosquito transmission of the Zika virus has been reported in the Americas, Oceania/Pacific Islands and Africa. Local mosquito transmission indicates mosquitoes in the area are infected with the Zika virus and are spreading it to people. Because the Zika virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes, the CDC recommends travelers going to affected countries protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Most people infected with the Zika virus do not get sick. For those who develop symptoms, they are usually mild and last for several days to a week. The Zika virus may also be linked to GBS, a rare disorder that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis for a few weeks to several months. Most people fully recover from GBS, but some have permanent damage.
Know Before You Go:
The 509th Medical Group recommends all beneficiaries planning to travel to Zika virus-affected locations report to the Whiteman Public Health office to start a travel-medicine consultation. The consultation will include a health-risk-hazard assessment, health-protection recommendation report, education on country-specific health threats and countermeasures, basic preventive measures, and scheduling of an appointment with your healthcare provider. Another planning tip is to check the CDC Travelers' Health website for current travel notices by visiting www.cdc.gov/travel.
What Can Travelers Do To Prevent Zika?
There is no vaccine or medicine to treat a Zika virus infection. Travelers can protect themselves from mosquito bites by:
· Covering exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
· Using United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE, also called para-menthane-diol [PMD]), or IR3535 as directed.
o Pregnant and breastfeeding women can use all EPA-registered insect repellents, including DEET, according to the product label.
o Most repellents, including DEET, can be used on children older than two months.
o OLE should not be used on children younger than three years.
· Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear such as boots, pants, socks and tents. You can buy pre-treated clothing and gear or treat them yourself.
· Stay in places with air conditioning or with window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
· Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air-conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors.
· Mosquito netting can be used to cover babies younger than two months old in carriers, strollers or cribs to protect them from mosquito bites.
After Travel:
Most people infected with the Zika virus do not feel sick. If a mosquito bites an infected person while the virus is still in that person's blood, it can spread the virus by biting another person.
Even if they do not feel sick, travelers returning to the United States from an area with the Zika virus should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks so they do not inadvertently spread the virus to uninfected mosquitos.
· Sexual transmission of the Zika virus from a male partner is also possible, so travelers are encouraged to use condoms or abstain from sex for up to six months after returning to the United States.
· Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant. Pregnant travelers who are returning from areas with confirmed cases of Zika virus can be tested for infection.
For Additional Information:
http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html
http://www.who.int/emergencies/zika-virus/en/